Israel Envoy to Bonn Finds West German Attitude Toward Israel Warmer

There has been a definite change for the better in the West German attitude towards Israel in the past year, Asher Ben-Nathan, the Israeli envoy to Bonn told the press here today.

According to Mr. Nathan, three years ago the average West German was of the opinion “we paid enough” (reparations) and did not want to know any more about Israel. Today, largely due to the Six-Day War, which raised the problem of Israel’s survival, there is a feeling of respect toward Israel, he said. Ambassador Ben-Nathan said that the German press is now favorable to Israel, as shown by their recent denunciation of the German steel firms of Thyssen and Mannesman who had shown signs of yielding to the Arab boycott.

On his departure from Israel today after two and a half years as the first West German Ambassador here, Rolf Pauls, thanked the people of Israel for helping him in his work which “understandably was very difficult.” He expressed his hopes for “increased understanding and economic ties” between Israel and West Germany.